Optical Fabricator II

Applied Optics, Inc.; Pleasant Hill (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optics manufacturing company in Pleasant Hill, CA, is seeking an Optical Fabricator. This role requires experience in CNC machining and conventional polishing with a focus on precision optics. The candidate will operate and set up various optical machining centers, ensuring high-quality performance across all tasks. A High School Diploma is required, and an AA or BA/BS degree is desirable.

Qualifications

• 2 or more years of Optical CNC machining or equivalent experience.
• 2 or more years of conventional polishing experience.
• Knowledge of optical lens metrology and measurement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and setup optical machining centers.
• Program and run a variety of machines.
• Perform grinding and polishing to high standards.

Skills

Optical CNC machining

Conventional polishing

Optical lens metrology

Following directions

Independent work habits

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

AA or BA/BS degree (desirable)

Tools

Optical machining centers

Microscope

Vernier calipers

Interferometer

Job description

Pleasant Hill, U.S.A | Posted on 10/24/2025

An Optical Fabricator is a skilled technician who creates precision optics/tooling by utilizing machines, polishing tools, and associated metrology equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and setup optical machining centers.
• Independently program and run a variety of machines, such as LOH and Satisloh, generating, polishing, and centering machines.
• Perform grinding and polishing to a high standard using conventional methods.
• Operate core drill, diamond saws, and surfacing mill.
• Operate inspection equipment such as microscope, micrometers, height gages, Vernier calipers, interferometer, and radius bench.
• Read and understand both optical and traditional blueprints.
• Accurately finish spherical and plano laser quality optical elements up to 1/20th wave.
• Perform cleaning and cosmetic inspection of finished optics according to customer requirements.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of Optical CNC machining or equivalent experience.
• 2 or more years of conventional polishing experience.
• Knowledge of optical lens metrology and measurement equipment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications and Competencies

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to follow directions.
• Independent work habits.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• AA or BA/BS degree desirable, as well as additional vocational training in manufacturing, materials science, machining, or equivalent.

Physical Demands

• Requires standing, use of hands to fingers, handling or feeling, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Frequently stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing may be required.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; magnified inspection may be required for quality control.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.
• Computer use is frequent.
• May involve use of oils and solvents.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and manufacturing fumes.
• May work at different workstations as production needs require or shift from one station to another during the production process.

Applied Optics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an affirmative action employer. Applied Optics gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws (Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled).